The History of Valley House Inn
The Valley House Inn has a rich history. Originally built in 1872, The Valley House Inn was used as a private resident for Huntsville’s first mayor, Lars Magnus Nelson and his family. At that time he was known as a “Tinner” because his occupation was as a tin smith. As a good tinsmith, he had a profitable business and was able to build the large brick home.
In 1916, Matelda Sprague took possession of the home and converted it to a dinner house and hotel due to the confidence of her friends in her excellent cooking abilities. It later became known as The Valley House which also provided sleeping rooms in the two story home. For nearly 20 years she entertained and made countless friends with her fine food and the telling of true life stories of her early pioneer days when she crossed the plains by ox-teams to become one of the first settlers in Utah.
Many important people from Ogden, Utah would travel up the canyon to enjoy their meals at the Valley House. There were trolley cars that brought people to the inn from Ogden.
Jim and Ruth May bought the house in 1979 from Zina Beckstead. They raised their four children there and, after the three older children left home, they converted it into a bed and breakfast in 1997. Jim passed away in 2004. Ruth married Steve Brunker in 2008 and ran the Valley House until the current owners, Britain and Nicole Sorensen bought the business from her in June of 2016.
During the years, people have come from all over the world to the Valley House Inn Bed and Breakfast. During the Olympics, the bomb squad that protected the President of the United States stayed here. President Boyd K. Packer, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was a welcome guest. Lots of honeymoons and anniversaries have taken place at the inn. Many people visit, just wanting to have a pleasant getaway.